The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

It's a tricky task the author has set himself here: to convey something of the reality of this horrific war, as well as the mistreatment of African-Americans (not to mention orphans), in the context of a broadly humorous tall tale told by a boy who believes that "old Truth ain't nearly as useful as a fib sometimes." That he accomplishes it so well is no surprise, coming from the author of Freak the Mighty: this is a writer who knows how to balance humor, poignancy, and power, never going overboard in any one direction.

He also manages to create a story that reads like a tall tale, populated with larger-than-life characters, that somehow rarely strains credulity. It's one of those cinematic stories that not only runs like a movie in the reader's head, but also prompts mental attempts at casting, a game your kids might enjoy. Homer is an appealing hero -- recklessly adventurous, dishonest for the sheer creative fun of it, and goodhearted as only a kid can be. With touches of Dickens and Twain, this is s a delightful read with some layers that may prompt your kids to learn more.